There’s a point when the weather turns cooler and our habits begin to change. Coats, puffer jackets and boots reappear, windows stay closed and the appeal of drinking chilled water can give way to something warmer. Even the quick refresh at the water cooler might become a little less frequent.
But does our need for drinking water change with the temperature?
Out with the Sun, Out with the Water Bottle?
During warmer weather, drinking water tends to be more front of mind. We feel hot, we sweat more and reaching for a drink comes naturally. When temperatures drop, thirst may be less noticeable, so it’s easy to drink less without really thinking about it.
The trouble is that our bodies still need water throughout the year. Colder weather doesn’t mean hydration can be put on hold, even if the urge to reach for a chilled drink has lost some of its appeal.
The trick is to keep drinking regularly rather than relying entirely on feeling thirsty. Keeping our bottled water topped up and nearby is a useful reminder, particularly when work gets busy and the next meeting seems to arrive before the last one has finished.
A Change of Temperature, Not a Change of Habit
Seasonal changes can influence what people reach for. Some will continue to favour cold drinking water, while others may be more tempted by a hot drink.
A well-positioned water cooler can keep drinking water readily available, whatever the weather. And where preferences change, having access to hot water, such as a hot water boiler or a hot and cold water cooler can be useful.
For organisations reviewing their facilities, the practical considerations remain much the same. Whether a site uses mains fed water coolers or another arrangement, the aim is to make drinking water accessible throughout the day.
Keep the Water Habit Going
Of course, the weather rarely follows a timetable. A chilly morning can turn into a surprisingly warm afternoon, and indoor heating can make a difference too. Our drinking habits need to accommodate more than the weather we see when we look out of the window.
So, as the seasons change, there’s no need for a complete rethink. Keep water within reach, drink regularly and remember that the need for hydration doesn’t disappear when the summer clothes go back in the wardrobe.
The weather can do what it likes. Your water-drinking habit can stay put.
